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Putting Strengths on Resumes

Hi all,

I am wondering if any of you add your top strengths to your resume or instruct students to do so. I would like to incorporate some resume examples illustrating strengths but not sure where to put them. I have a few ideas but wonder if others have done this already and woud be willing to share. Thanks.

Margie Giauqe

Director of Career Services

Bemidji State Universiy

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Permalink Reply by Dave Tyler on March 2, 2011 at 2:03pm

Hello Margie,

I have asked around a bit about this question. The answer is not 100% cut and dried. For some roles we see it more often than for others. It seems that for the higher level roles we tend to see it more often, while for other entry level type jobs we do not.

As for where we see them, typically in the top portion of the name/address area they are listed as "Gallup Top 5 Strengths" or "Gallup Strengths" followed by a colon then each strength is separated by a coma, hyphen, or em dash.

Other areas that we have seen them listed include the first section above education or as the final entry at the very bottom of the resume.

I have worked for school districts that are familiar with strengths so having them on a resume would seem normal for educators applying for jobs. In some way, I think a little homework about the exact company will go a long way to answer the question whether to include them or not.

Dave Tyler,

Gallup

Talent Resources

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Permalink Reply by Chris Jachimowicz on April 14, 2011 at 9:54am

Dave -

You didn't ask me!

Not sure how I came about having these (automatic Input response I assume). I am not the originator and I apologize to the individual who did develop these for not giving credit where credit is due. Two attachments - one a cover letter with strengths, the second a resume with strengths. I hope they help.